In the serene hills of Dharamsala, amidst the cool mountain air, there’s a cricketing celebration underway. The fifth and final Test between India and England is not just a showdown between two great cricketing nations, but also marks a significant milestone for India’s spin maestro, Ravichandran Ashwin, who steps onto the field for his 100th appearance in Test cricket. Ashwin’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary since his debut in the whites against West Indies in Delhi, November 2011.
Yet, it is not the accolades that define a cricketer’s journey entirely, but also the challenges that shape their character and resolve. For Ashwin, one such defining moment came in the aftermath of a home series loss to England, in which he faced an unexpectedly harsh critique. Despite a promising start to his career, Ashwin’s performance was questioned as he managed to take only 14 wickets across eight innings at an average of 52.64, with a concerning strike-rate of 101.5. Casting 236.5 overs—only second to his contemporary Pragyan Ojha in that series—his output was under the microscope, and the whispers of doubt began to emerge.
Reminiscing on those testing times, Ashwin relayed a particular incident that occurred at the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA)—a jarring reminder of the high stakes and transient loyalties in the world of cricket. As he was collecting match tickets for his family, a startling comment was made by a member of the association: “You are going to be dropped.” The rising pressure was palpable, with spotlight on the upcoming spinners like Parvez Rasool, who performed well in side games, and the experience of Harbhajan Singh looming as he was eyeing a comeback.
However, Ashwin, now aged 37, has a nuanced perspective on the highs and lows of a Test cricketer’s career. Rather than being disheartened by struggles, he views them as a natural part of his cricketing narrative. Reflecting on his approach to the game, Ashwin emphasizes that handling triumphs is as important as troubleshooting the downturns, stating, “How you handle your ups and how you troubleshoot your downs are what will define you as a cricketer or as an individual.” This ethos has undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable comeback and sustained success over the years.
Fast forward to the present day in 2024, with Ashwin stepping onto the pitch for his centurion Test, amassing an impressive 507 wickets from his previous 99 Tests prior to the milestone encounter. The occasion also witnesses other cricketing stalwarts reaching exclusive milestones, as Jonny Bairstow joins Ashwin in celebrating his 100th Test, and James Anderson continues to etch his name into the record books with history-making feats.
Audiences have been treated to riveting moments in the ongoing match, such as the electric catch by Shubman Gill that set the tone for the Indian side, and Kuldeep Yadav’s masterful dismissal of Ollie Pope, a display of spin wizardry that has long been synonymous with India’s prowess on the cricket field.
As Dharamsala hosts this blend of old and new, past glories and promises of future triumphs, it becomes a testament to not just individuals like Ashwin, whose journeys are celebrated, but also the rich and ever-evolving tapestry of Test cricket itself. The enduring format continues to fascinate and challenge even the finest, as they script their tales of courage and resilience, play after play, series after series.
